DENVER, CO – JULY 02: Cleanup is ending this year on the old Asarco smelting site in Globeville, and redevelopment of the site into the Globeville Commerce Center could start early next year. Denver, Colorado. July 02. 2014.

Several long-struggling northeast Denver neighborhoods will get help from a new foundation that will chip in bigwigs’ expertise and fundraising for new projects.

A swath of the city arcing from Globeville and River North to Elyria-Swansea is set for big, transformative projects in coming years. New transit lines and stations, a major overhaul of the National Western Complex and the lowering of I-70 below ground could provide an economic boost and increase work options for residents, but some projects also will pose challenges.

An organization called ExecConnect on Wednesday said its members, including business owners, executives and community leaders, have started the Connect Denver Foundation. ExecConnect has 100 members.

The new foundation will work with the North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative, a city agency overseeing a half-dozen projects that also include drafting of new neighborhood plans and redevelopment of the Brighton Boulevard corridor.

“We look forward to … finding ways to use our members’ expertise to support the neighborhoods and the city as they embark upon a positive transformation of this area,” ExecConnect founder Andy Boian said in a news release.

Early on, the foundation’s work will include attending community meetings and getting input from residents on how the group can help, said Erika Reyes Martinez, spokeswoman for the NDCC.

Initially, the foundation’s leaders expect to focus on improving economic opportunities in the neighborhoods.

is The Denver Post's city hall reporter. His coverage focuses on Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, the workings of the Denver City Council and interactions between the city's government and its people, from neighborhood issues to regulation of the marijuana industry. Reach him at (303) 954-1405.

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